Antonio Conte is plotting a surprise team selection at Wembley on Saturday with Nathan Ake in for a rare start and out of form Diego Costa uncertain of his place in Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final team.

Costa is without a goal in six games and Conte has explored his options in training this week with both Eden Hazard and Michy Batshauyi operating at centre-forward.

Costa has been left to sweat on his place but Ake is set for only his third appearance since he was recalled from a loan spell at Bournemouth in January.

Nathan Ake is set to start for Chelsea in their FA Cup semi final clash with Tottenham

Ake will replace Gary Cahill, who has gastroenteritis, deployed on the left of the back-three which denies John Terry the chance for a romantic end to a week when it was confirmed he will leave Stamford Bridge.

Cahill was hospitalised this week but was back at the Chelsea training ground on Friday training alone.

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'It's impossible,' said Conte when asked if Cahill might feature in the semi-final against Tottenham.

'It is not a serious problem, he is getting better but this period has not been lucky for us.

Ake is likely to start ahead of captain John Terry in a three-man defence at Wembley Stadium

Regular starter Gary Cahill was hospitalised earlier in the week due to gastroenteritis

'Ake deserves this chance. He has showed me great commitment and worked very hard. His behaviour has been great.

'Don't forget he was playing every game with Bournemouth and he wanted to come and work with us and help us fight for the title.

'He is a good player and he is ready for this opportunity. I trust him.'

Conte revealed he will only consider Terry for the role in the centre of his back-three which is in the possession of David Luiz.

Antonio Conte has tried new combinations in training ahead of Saturday's London derby

The Chelsea manager, however, insisted he was disappointed to learn he would be losing his club captain at the end of the season.

'John has been very important for me,' said Conte. 'The problem is that John wants to play regularly and we have to respect his decision.

'I was a footballer and I know when you arrive at this point in your career and your mind and body tell you that you want to play regularly it is right to continue. Because when you finish you finish.'

Conte has reacted to Sunday's defeat at Manchester United by shaking things up in training, trying new combinations.

Diego Costa is badly out of sorts and it is uncertain whether he will start on Saturday

He has searched for an alternative to Costa who has lost form – and seemingly interest – at a vital time of the campaign amid another swirl of transfer interest from clubs in China.

'He is keeping the goals for the finale of the season,' smiled Conte.

Hazard has played the central role with some success this season and is the most likely option.